Nepal has been on my mind a lot lately in the wake of the tragic flash flooding event. Over the last 20 years I've travelled many times to Nepal and in particular Rasuwa — the mountain district that borders Tibet — working alongside Rotary projects and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Here I made many good friends and for the last 9 years we have sponsored 2 children to go to school in Kathmandu.
This shocking natural disaster continues to cause devastation to the people and region. Now facing a critical health crisis, disease, lack of clean drinking water and water borne illnesses, alongside loss of income and food security - the people need our support.
We advise this ABC video contains distressing scenes.
Thankfully our 2 sponsor children in Nepal are safe, but sadly, our eldest has lost her grandparents in this shocking disaster. As the death toll continues to rise, and the number missing reported to be over 4800 (although likely understated), we send our love and support to those affected by this tragic disaster. Now, the region is facing a risk of two further glacial collapses sending floodwaters down the rivers again.
This isn't the first time the region has been tested. In 2016, a major earthquake devastated Rasuwa and other districts across Nepal. In response, a project was registered through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service), focused on health, hygiene, education and entrepreneurship in the affected areas.
It was through this initiative that I became involved, connecting with Rotary through my now good friend and fellow academic at the University of the Sunshine Coast - where we bonded over Nepalese food firstly, and then through many other in country projects together including environmental and waste management projects to name a few.
Given this new disaster, approval has just come through from the Rotary International Project Manager to reactivate that project — so we can serve the region again through the same trusted channel, with the money going straight to the people who need it. A few of you have already asked me where you can give to a charity you can genuinely trust. Here it is.
How to help
- Donations are tax-deductible — give once, or set up a regular contribution
- The link below goes to the original 2016 project page; donating takes about 5 minutes on your phone or computer
- All major cards accepted
- You'll get a tax-deductible receipt by email straight after you donate
- Only 5% goes to admin — 95% goes directly to the local community
- Through my friend Ratna Paudyal, we will report back to every donor, using the email you register when you give, with photos showing exactly how the funds have been used
It is important to note - when you pledge support through this link and Rotary, you are sending funds to families directly. These funds are not caught up in the administration of the organisation - 95% directly goes to the people affected. I know first hand that Ratna and the Rotary team put in significant hours of volunteer time to administer these projects and thank them generously for their efforts.
To my friends on the ground in the region sending updates and coordinating support to those affected - thank you - we send our love and we pledge to work together to coordinate donations to bring safety and support to you.